A recent incident involving a driverless vehicle from Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has raised new questions about public confidence in autonomous technology. On March 10, 2024, at approximately 03:40 hours, a Waymo robotaxi entered a police checkpoint in Los Angeles, where officers were apprehending a suspect. The vehicle made a right turn, despite police instructions to turn left, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
The situation unfolded at the intersection of Broadway and First Street, situated outside Times Mirror Square and the downtown federal courthouse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, which was captured on video by bystanders. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the unmanned vehicle’s actions did not interfere with the ongoing police operation, but nonetheless, the intersection was temporarily closed as a precaution.
Following the event, Waymo stated that the vehicle was stationary for over 15 seconds during the encounter. In a response to the incident, a Waymo spokesperson emphasized, “Safety is our top priority at Waymo, both for those who choose to travel with us and for those with whom we share the streets. When we encounter unusual events like this, we learn from them to continue improving road safety and operating in dynamic cities.”
Waymo’s autonomous taxi service, which became publicly available in November 2024, has faced scrutiny due to a series of incidents. Despite the company’s claims of having over 160 million kilometers driven without fatalities, other events have drawn negative attention. One notable instance involved a user allegedly directing 50 self-driving vehicles into a dead-end street in San Francisco, which gained significant media traction.
In another incident in Los Angeles, five Waymo vehicles were set ablaze by protesters in opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Additionally, in September, a Waymo car made an illegal turn during a DUI checkpoint operation, further complicating the narrative surrounding the company’s safety protocols.
Despite these challenges, Waymo continues to expand its services. The company currently operates in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Phoenix, with plans to extend to Miami, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Detroit in the near future. The company remains committed to refining its technology and ensuring that such incidents do not undermine the potential of driverless transportation.
The implications of these incidents extend beyond operational mishaps; they touch upon the broader societal concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles. As companies like Waymo push forward with innovative technology, maintaining public trust will be crucial for successful integration into everyday life.
